The charges also include alleged attempts by the governor to influence the Chicago Tribune editorial board, threatening, that if the Tribune didn’t support him, he wouldn’t approve the sale of Wrigley Field.
Blagojevich was taken into custody at his home at 6:15 this morning. He is being charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery. Harris was arrested simultaneously at his home.
Meanwhile, President-elect Barack Obama said he never knew the governor was trying to shake him down. "I had no contact with the governor or his office so I was not aware of what was happening and, as I said, it was a sad day for Illinois," Obama said.
"Like the rest of the people of Illinois, I am saddened and sobered by the news coming out of the U.S. Attorney's office. But as this is an ongoing investigation involving the governor's office, I don't think it would be appropriate for me to comment at this time."
